The world of James Bond is once again abuzz with speculation and excitement as a new wave of talent jostles for the coveted roles of 007 and his iconic leading lady. With Daniel Craig's explosive exit from the franchise in 2021's No Time to Die, fans, bookmakers, and industry insiders alike have kept a close eye on every rumor, every casting hint, and every shift in the odds. Now, as October 2025 unfolds, two names are rising above the rest: Anthony Boyle, a Northern Irish actor with a growing resume, and Sydney Sweeney, the American starlet making waves on both television and film.
According to MovieWeb, Anthony Boyle has rapidly climbed the ranks of potential successors to Craig's Bond. Though not yet a household name, Boyle's career has been marked by a string of impressive performances. Audiences may recognize him from 2019's Tolkien alongside Nicholas Hoult, the Apple TV+ World War II epic Masters of the Air, and the video game-inspired film Tetris with Taron Egerton. But it was his role as Scorpius Malfoy in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child that truly put him on the map, earning him the Laurence Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role and a Tony Award nomination.
Yet, it's Boyle's latest turn as Arthur Guinness in the period drama House of Guinness that's tipped the scales. The series, penned by Peaky Blinders creator Steven Knight, has showcased Boyle's ability to lead with compelling gravitas. Knight, notably, is also scripting the upcoming Bond reboot for Amazon. The confluence of Boyle's performance and Knight's involvement has not gone unnoticed by bookmakers, who now see Boyle as a serious contender for the role of 007.
Boyle's appeal, according to MovieWeb, lies in his age and fresh presence. At just over 30, he fits Amazon's reported desire for a "fresh face" to reboot the franchise. This preference marks a departure from some of the more established names previously floated, such as Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, and even American actor Austin Butler. Other candidates still in the mix include Harris Dickinson, rumored to be among Amazon's top choices, and Callum Turner, who shared the screen with Boyle in Masters of the Air.
For longtime Bond fans, the transition has stirred a mix of anticipation and anxiety. Amazon's acquisition of the franchise brought with it concerns about how the beloved series might evolve. However, the hiring of acclaimed director Denis Villeneuve—known for visually stunning and cerebral films like Arrival, Blade Runner 2049, Sicario, Prisoners, and Dune—alongside Steven Knight, has injected a dose of optimism. As Oxford Mail notes, Villeneuve's track record suggests a bold and thoughtful approach to the next Bond chapter.
While the search for the new Bond continues, the spotlight has also turned to who will play the next "Bond Girl"—a role that, in the modern era, carries as much prestige and scrutiny as Bond himself. Oxford Mail reports that Sydney Sweeney, the 28-year-old American actress known for her standout roles in HBO's Euphoria and the romantic comedy Anyone But You, is now the clear frontrunner. Betting odds have placed her at a striking 1/4, making her the favorite to step into the role that has launched many a Hollywood career.
Sweeney's rise comes amid fierce competition from a roster of A-list names. Scarlett Johansson, Zendaya, Cara Delevingne, Emma Stone, Ariana Grande, Amy Adams, and Kendall Jenner have all been mentioned as possible contenders. Yet, Sweeney's unique blend of vulnerability, strength, and screen presence appears to have caught the attention of both casting directors and the public alike.
The competition for the female lead has also featured two actresses with deep Oxford roots: Emma Watson and Florence Pugh. Watson, forever associated with her portrayal of Hermione Granger in all eight Harry Potter films, is currently studying at Oxford University. Pugh, born and raised in the city, has made her mark in critically acclaimed works such as Midsommar, Oppenheimer, Dune: Part Two, and as Yelena Belova in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Both starred together in 2019's Little Women, playing sisters Meg and Amy, and have previously been considered favorites for the Bond franchise's new female lead.
As Oxford Mail highlights, the casting process for the next Bond film has become a global guessing game. Every new rumor sends fans and bookmakers scrambling to adjust their predictions. The stakes are high—not just for the actors involved, but for the direction of a franchise that has spanned more than six decades and defined the spy genre for generations.
Behind the scenes, the creative team is working to ensure that the next Bond film delivers both the thrilling action and nuanced storytelling that audiences expect. Steven Knight's involvement as screenwriter, coupled with Denis Villeneuve's directorial vision, signals a potential reinvention of the Bond formula. Fans are eager to see how these talents will balance tradition and innovation, especially as Amazon steers the franchise into uncharted territory.
It's worth noting that the process of casting Bond and his leading lady has always been a reflection of the times. The original James Bond, Sean Connery, was an unknown when he first donned the tuxedo in 1962. Each subsequent actor—from Roger Moore to Pierce Brosnan to Daniel Craig—brought their own flavor to the role, often surprising critics and fans alike. The same can be said for the women of Bond, who have evolved from mere love interests to complex, formidable characters in their own right.
For Anthony Boyle, the opportunity to take on 007 would be a career-defining moment. As MovieWeb puts it, "Boyle certainly has the acting chops to make 007 the charming, intriguing secret agent that fans will be hoping for." His youth, relative anonymity, and proven talent could be just the combination Amazon is seeking to reinvigorate the franchise.
As for Sydney Sweeney, her ascent to frontrunner status reflects a shifting landscape in Hollywood, where new faces are breaking through and redefining what it means to be a leading lady. Sweeney's performances have demonstrated both emotional depth and star power, making her a compelling choice for the role that has, for decades, symbolized glamour, intelligence, and resilience.
With Denis Villeneuve at the helm, Steven Knight penning the script, and the casting process nearing its climax, the world waits with bated breath for the official announcement. Will Boyle and Sweeney be the duo to lead James Bond into a new era? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the next chapter of 007 promises to be as unpredictable and captivating as ever.
